WRITING TANKA—Preparing to Write

Here’s a little backgrounder on this poem, which I wrote around 20 years ago while on a course at Heavenly Mountain in Boone, North Carolina. The first part was originally just a haiku. It was a fun way to point out the need to increase awareness as a preparation to write. Years later, an idea presented itself extending the metaphor to its logical conclusion. The phrase, taken literally, was an unexpected surprise, along with the irresistible pun. I added them as a hoku, completing the poem, transforming it into a tanka on writing. Enjoy reading “Preparing to Write.”

The Uncarved Blog

PREPARING TO WRITE
a tanka on writing

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Railroad Crossings Are

Places To Become Aware—

STOP! LOOK! And LISTEN!

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If you hear a train of thought

You’ll know you’re on the write track!

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© Ken Chawkin

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Also see Haiku On The Nature of Haiku.

a writing tanka on writing tanka by ken chawkin

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2 Responses to “WRITING TANKA—Preparing to Write”

  1. olgac1 Says:

    Hi Kenny I love your poem!

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ken Chawkin Says:

      Thanks Olga, I do too. I laugh out loud every time I read it. Ideas can sometimes surprise us leading to little gems we never could have consciously figured out ourselves. All in good time, eh.

      Like

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